Venice - Who Needs It?

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Dee and Richard TaylorI have to say, we were a little disappointed with Venice. It is pretty (in a kind of dilapidated shabby chic sort of way) but we couldn't help feeling that this town gets a little more hype than it deserves. We got in tired after two full days (bone achingly full) in Interlaken. Maybe that's why we couldn't help but notice that there are a few things the Italians could do to help bring this old girl up to date. I think a few pictures might help illustrate what we mean.

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Photos

Many of the buildings are in a state of disrepair
Although the framing isn't perfect here, I've tried to show how much work needs to be done on restoring the facades of many of the buildings

In fact, the balconies are all far too small
There is no room for a bbq, and a shade sail or two would certainly help keep off the harsh Venetian sun.

You can see how the railings on the Basilica above San Marco Square are cracked
It certainly doesn't look safe. I know that Dunn and Farrugia make some excellent powder coated steel railings back home.

See how the old mosaics on the Basilica have faded?
A coat of paint would not go astray.

Venetian Blinds
At least they got something right.

These masks were on sale all over the place.
I think it says something about the frivolous nature of the Venetians. If only they could put their minds to something practical.

Even the architecture
You can see how little they care about their city. They seem to have run out of ideas and simply repeated the same pattern over and over again.

Frightening decorative detail seemed to be a feature of the city
I know that times gone by were hard, but for the sake of the children, why not add some more cheerful and uplifting decorations to the city? A few cartoon characters in pastel shades might be more appropriate.

Social responsibility
didn't seem to be on the agenda. There is no question that the shop fronts were very pretty, but what about affordable living? I'm sure locals and tourists alike would benefit from the odd Target or Best and Less in downtown Venice

Murano Glass
Beautiful, but is it dishwasher safe?

Lowering the cost of living
might also help get some of the buskers off the streets

The elderly also need consideration
The bridges are attractive but impractical. Car access and a monorail should be a Venetian priority

Increase productivity by building bigger gondalas
Bigger gondalas could take more passengers with fewer boats. So many of the gondaliers are just standing around like road-workers with nothing to do.

Here's an idea.
Drain some of the smaller canals to make way for cars (or even clotheslines which they obviously need!)

Young people would surely like to see some more modern music
Everywhere you went, there was classical music. You couldn't get away from it.

And who would pay for it you ask?
That's easy. You could create enough room for a six lane highway by simply draining the damn canal. The tolls would raise a fortune.

Comments

[Lyn & Martin]

Venice may be old but it still looks beautiful
I have really enjoyed travelling vicariously through these blogs. I realise Venice is run down but from down town Glenbrook it still has a certain charm!!! I particularly loved Greece and am looking forward to the rest of our trip. Love from both of us

[Nelly]

You're Joking,Right????
I hope your tongue was well and truly in your cheek when you made all those comments about Venice, Dee! It's shabby because it's OLD...I loved every bit of it. To be fair, I haven't been there for 20 yearsb,ut it couldn't have been THAT bad...I think you'll have to go there again when you're not so tired. Loved having you both in Belves...we'll have to do it again sometime. Enjoy the rest of your travels! Love Nel